The Vancouver Canucks host the San Jose Sharks, Thursday Mar 18, as the battle for top of the West continues. This is the second of four meetings after the Sharks won their last meeting. NHL oddsmakers at SBGGLOBAL.com have the Canucks as -140 moneyline favs over the Sharks (+120) with the over/under set at 5.5 goals . Be sure to get your San Jose Sharks vs Vancouver Canucks NHL Pick in early at SBGGLOBAL.com
The Sharks (43-16-4-6) have lost six of their last ten games and four of five road games. They are 21-10-1-1 on the road where they average 2.97 GAG and allow 2.67 GAG. They recently lost in Dallas 2-8. They had goals from Dan Boyle and Devin Setoguchi. Goalie Evgeni Nabokov allowed four goals on 17 shots before he was pulled for Thomas Greiss who gave up four on 14 shots. The Sharks goaltending took a beating and must put the loss behind them and move on . Nabokov is 6-4 in his last ten with a 3.40 GAA. "We didn't show up in the second period and they took it to us," San Jose captain Rob Blake said. "Our turnovers and sloppy play in the zone allowed them to capitalize. There's no way we thought they were going to just roll over and let us take two points. You've got to respond." San Jose's grip on the top seed in the conference is slipping with Chicago two points back. The Sharks are producing despite their road woes. For the Sharks, Joe Pavelski has 2 goals and 4 assists in four games, Patrick Marleau has 3 goals and 6 assists in six games, Joe Thornton has 2 goals and 3 assists in five games, and Ryane Clowe has a goal and 4 assists in five games.
The Canucks (43-24-0-3) have won six of their last ten and two of three home games. They are 25-8-0-1 at home where they average 3.53 GAG and allow 2.03 GAG. They recently lost to the Islanders 2-5 at home. They had goals from Kyle Wellwood and Alexandre Burrows. Goalie Roberto Luongo was pulled after allowing four goals on 12 shots, he’s 6-4 in his last ten with a 3.10 GAA. Backup Andrew Raycroft stopped all seven shots but the Canucks couldn’t catch up to the Isle. Vancouver suffered its first loss in regulation at GM Place since Jan. 11. "We came into the game and we weren't really respecting the opposition," Roberto Luongo said. "They came out strong, they made some plays and before we knew it, we were down 2-0. We've come back before, but it's not going to happen every game." The Canucks have gained ground on No. 2 Chicago since the Olympic break sitting five points back. The Canucks are the second highest scoring teams in the league . For the Canucks, Ryan Kesler has 6 goals and 9 assists in 14 games, Daniel Sedin has 3 goals and 14 assists in 11 games, Mikael Samuelsson has 9 goals and 4 assists in eight games, Henrik Sedin has 3 goals and 8 assists in six games, Alex Burrows has 2 goals and an assist in three games, and Alexander Edler has 2 assists in three games. Winger Mikael Samuelsson went down with an apparent shoulder injury on Tuesday night that will keep him out of the lineup for two to three weeks. Michael Grabner will take his place.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Favorite is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
- Sharks are 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.
- Sharks are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Vancouver.
- Home team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
- Sharks are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
San Jose Sharks vs Vancouver Canucks
When: Thursday Mar 18, 2009 10:00 PM ET
Line: SBGGLOBAL.com
Pick: Sharks +120
Point-Spreads.com San Jose Sharks vs Vancouver Canucks NHL Pick
The Bottom Line: Samuelson is hot for the Canucks and will be missed. Be sure to get your San Jose Sharks vs Vancouver Canucks NHL Pick in early at SBGGLOBAL.com and receive up to 295% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!
